Scopa Card Game: A Classic Italian Game of Strategy and Luck

History and Origin

Scopa is an Italian card game that has been popular for centuries. While there is no clear evidence of its origin, it is believed to have been played in Italy since at least the 18th century. The game is played with a deck of Italian cards, which consist of 40 cards divided into four suits: Denari, Coppe, Bastoni, and Spade.

The name “Scopa” means “broom” in Italian, and it is said to refer to the act of sweeping the table clean of cards when a player wins a hand. The game is known for its fast pace and strategic gameplay, and it has become one of the most popular card games in Italy.

Scopa was brought to other countries by Italian immigrants, and it is now played in Argentina and Brazil, where it is known as “Scopa a Quindici.” The game has also been played in former Italian colonies such as Libya and Somalia, as well as in Tunisia, where it has a slightly different appearance.

Despite its popularity, Scopa is not as well-known outside of Italy as some other card games. However, it remains an important part of Italian culture and is often played in small towns and villages throughout the country.

Overall, Scopa is a fascinating and engaging card game with a rich history and cultural significance. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, there is always something new to discover and enjoy about this classic Italian pastime.

The Deck and Card Ranking

Scopa is typically played with either an Italian 40-card deck or a modified French-suited deck.

Italian 40-Card Deck

The Italian 40-card deck consists of four suits: Coins (Denari), Cups (Coppe), Swords (Spade), and Clubs (Bastoni). Each suit has ten cards, with the Ace (Asso) being the highest ranking card and the 7 being the lowest. In addition to these numbered cards, there are also three face cards in each suit: the King (Re), the Knight (Cavallo), and the Knave (Fante). These face cards are ranked in descending order with the King being the highest, followed by the Knight and then the Knave.

The ranking of cards is important in Scopa, as players aim to capture cards from the table with cards of equal or higher rank. The Ace is the highest ranking card, followed by the 3, the King, the Knight, the Knave, and so on down to the 7.

In addition to the numbered cards and face cards, there is also a special combination of cards known as the Primiera. The Primiera consists of one card from each suit, and the player with the highest Primiera at the end of the game earns an additional point. The cards in the Primiera are ranked in descending order with the 7 being the highest, followed by the 6, the Ace, the Knight, the Knave, and so on down to the 1.

French-Suited Cards

In some regions, Scopa is played with a modified French-suited deck. This deck consists of four suits: Hearts (Cuori), Diamonds (Quadri), Clubs (Fiori), and Spades (Picche). Each suit has thirteen cards, with the Ace being the highest ranking card and the 2 being the lowest.

In this version of the game, the face cards are the King, Queen, and Jack. These cards are ranked in descending order with the King being the highest, followed by the Queen and then the Jack.

While the French-suited deck is not as common as the Italian 40-card deck in Scopa, it is still used in some regions and can provide a slightly different gameplay experience.

Game Setup

Before you start playing Scopa, you need to set up the game. In this section, we will discuss the role of the dealer and the table setup.

Role of the Dealer

In Scopa, the dealer is responsible for shuffling the deck of cards and dealing them to the players. The dealer rotates clockwise after each round. If you are playing with four players, then the dealer will deal the cards in a counter-clockwise direction.

Table Setup

To set up the table for Scopa, you need a flat surface that can accommodate all the players. You also need a modified deck of 52 cards or an Italian set of cards. Scopa can be played with two or four players. If you are playing with four players, then you can divide into two teams of two players each.

To start the game, the dealer shuffles the deck of cards and deals three cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed in the center of the table, face down. The top card is then turned over and placed face up next to the deck. This card is called the “briscola” and determines the trump suit for the game.

Once the table is set up, the game can begin. Remember, Scopa is played in a counter-clockwise direction, so the player to the left of the dealer goes first.

In summary, to set up the game of Scopa, you need a flat surface, a modified deck of cards, and two or four players. The dealer shuffles the cards and deals three cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed in the center of the table, face down. The top card is turned over to determine the trump suit. The game is played in a counter-clockwise direction, with the player to the left of the dealer going first.

Game Play

Capturing Cards

In Scopa, the objective is to capture cards from the table by playing cards from your hand. Capturing cards is an essential part of gameplay and is how you earn points. You can capture cards by matching the rank of a card on the table with a card in your hand. For example, if there is a 7 on the table, you can capture it with a 7 from your hand. You can also capture cards by adding up the value of cards on the table that add up to the value of a card in your hand. For example, if there is a 3 and a 4 on the table, you can capture them with a 7 from your hand.

In addition to capturing individual cards, you can also capture sets of cards that add up to 10. This is called a prime and is worth extra points. If you capture all the cards on the table in one turn, it is called a scopa and is also worth extra points.

Scoring

Scoring in Scopa is based on the number of cards you capture and the value of those cards. At the end of each round, players count the number of cards they captured and add up their point values. The player with the most points at the end of the round earns a point. The game continues until one player reaches the target score, which is usually 11 points.

The point values of cards in Scopa are as follows:

• Ace: 1 point
• 2-7: face value
• Jack: 8 points
• Queen: 9 points
• King: 10 points

In addition to these point values, capturing a prime or a scopa is worth extra points.

To start the game, the dealer deals three cards to each player, then places four cards face up on the table. Players take turns playing cards from their hand and capturing cards from the table until all the cards have been played. The player with the most points at the end of the round earns a point towards the target score.

Overall, Scopa is a fun and challenging card game that requires strategy and skill. By capturing cards and earning points, you can become a master of this classic Italian game.

Special Cards and Moves

Scopa is a game of strategy and skill, and there are certain cards and moves that can give you an edge over your opponent. In this section, we will discuss some of the special cards and moves that you should be aware of.

Settebello

The Settebello is the seven of coins, and it is the most powerful card in the game. It is worth one point, and it can only be captured by the Re (King) or another Settebello. If you capture the Settebello, you get an extra point.

Re Bello

The Re Bello (King of Coins) is the second most powerful card in the game. It is worth one point, and it can only be captured by the Cavallo (Knight) or another Re Bello. If you capture the Re Bello, you get an extra point.

Scopas

Scopas are special moves that can help you win the game. There are two types of Scopas: the Scopa d’assi and the Scopa di sette.

The Scopa d’assi is when you capture all of the aces on the table. This move is worth one point.

The Scopa di sette is when you capture all of the cards on the table except for one. This move is worth one point.

It is important to note that you can only make a Scopa if the cards you capture add up to 10. For example, if there are two cards on the table, a 4 and a 6, you can make a Scopa by capturing both cards with a 10.

In conclusion, understanding the special cards and moves in Scopa can give you an advantage over your opponent. Keep an eye out for the Settebello and the Re Bello, and try to make Scopas whenever possible. Good luck!

Variations of Scopa

Scopa is a popular Italian card game that has several variations. Each variation has its own unique rules and gameplay, but they all share the same objective – to score points by capturing cards from the table. Here are some of the most popular variations of Scopa:

Scopone

Scopone is a more complex version of Scopa that is played with a larger deck of cards. The game is usually played with four players, who are divided into two teams. The objective of Scopone is to capture as many cards as possible and score points. Scopone has several variations, including Scopone Scientifico, which is played with a mathematical twist.

Escoba

Escoba is a variation of Scopa that is popular in Spain and Latin America. The game is played with a Spanish deck of cards and has slightly different rules. In Escoba, players must capture cards that add up to 15, rather than cards of the same value. The game is also known as “Sweep” in some regions.

Quindici

Quindici is a variation of Scopa that is played with a simplified deck of cards. The game is usually played with two players, and the objective is to capture cards that add up to 15. Quindici is also known as “Fifteen” in some regions.

Scopa d’Assi

Scopa d’Assi is a variation of Scopa that is played with a deck of cards that has only aces and twos. The game is usually played with two players, and the objective is to capture as many cards as possible. Scopa d’Assi is also known as “Ace-Two Scopa” in some regions.

Scopa di Quindici

Scopa di Quindici is a variation of Scopa that combines elements of Scopa and Quindici. The game is usually played with two players, and the objective is to capture cards that add up to 15. Scopa di Quindici is also known as “Scopa a Quindici” in some regions.

Scopa con le Scalette

Scopa con le Scalette is a variation of Scopa that is played with a deck of cards that has extra cards called “scalette”. The game is usually played with two players, and the objective is to capture as many cards as possible. Scopa con le Scalette is also known as “Stairway Scopa” in some regions.

Chkobba

Chkobba is a variation of Scopa that is popular in Tunisia. The game is played with a deck of cards that has a different point value for each card. The objective of Chkobba is to capture as many cards as possible and score points. Chkobba is also known as “Shkobba” in some regions.

Overall, Scopa is a versatile card game that has many variations. Each variation has its own unique rules and gameplay, but they all share the same objective – to score points by capturing cards from the table.

Related Italian Card Games

Scopa is just one of the many traditional Italian card games. If you enjoyed playing Scopa, you might want to try other popular Italian card games such as Briscola and Tressette.

Briscola

Briscola is another popular Italian card game that is played with a deck of Italian cards. The game is played by two to six players, and the objective is to win tricks by playing the highest card in the suit or by playing a trump card. The trump card is determined by turning over the top card of the deck. The game is won by the player with the most points at the end of the game.

Tressette

Tressette is a trick-taking game that is played with a deck of Italian cards. The game is played by two to four players, and the objective is to win tricks by playing the highest card in the suit or by playing a trump card. The trump card is determined by turning over the top card of the deck. The game is won by the player with the most points at the end of the game.

Asso Pigliatutto

Asso Pigliatutto is a popular Italian card game that is played with a deck of Italian cards. The game is played by two to six players, and the objective is to capture the most cards by playing the highest card in the suit or by playing a trump card. The game is won by the player with the most cards at the end of the game.

Italian card games are known for their simplicity, yet they offer a lot of depth and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned card player or a beginner, there’s an Italian card game that’s perfect for you.

Scopa in Popular Culture

Scopa is not only a popular card game in Italy, but it has also made its way into popular culture around the world. Here are some examples of Scopa’s presence in popular culture:

• Movies: Scopa has been featured in several movies, including the Italian film “Scopone” and the Brazilian film “O Quatrilho.” In these movies, Scopa is often used as a way for characters to bond or compete with each other.
• Television: Scopa has also been featured in several television shows. In the popular Italian television series “Montalbano,” the main character often plays Scopa with his friends and colleagues. Scopa has also been featured in episodes of “The Sopranos” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
• Music: Scopa has even made its way into music. The Italian singer Edoardo Bennato has a song called “Scappa, scappa” that references the game of Scopa. The song tells the story of a man who is trying to escape from his problems by playing Scopa.
• Video Games: Scopa has also been featured in several video games, including the popular “Assassin’s Creed II.” In the game, players can play a virtual game of Scopa against other characters in the game.
• Competitions: Scopa has also become a popular game for competitions. In Italy, there are several Scopa tournaments held throughout the year. These tournaments can be quite competitive, with large cash prizes for the winners.

Overall, Scopa has become a beloved game in Italy and has made its way into popular culture around the world. Whether you are playing with friends or watching it on the big screen, Scopa is a game that is sure to entertain and challenge you.